Published March 1, 2020
By Capt. Jessica-Lynn Stanley (Conant), Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 37th Training Wing
Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas --
Religious and spiritual practices can play an important role in daily life while supporting the mind, body and spirit. Around 84 percent of people in the world, identify as being part of a religious group. Those who do ascribe to a religious or spiritual belief have lower levels of depression, less suicidality, decreased substance abuse, and overall convey a better quality of life.
From a Mental Health perspective, the traditions that religion and spiritual practices hold allow a person to go from a “me” focus to reflection and growth. This is due to the understanding that instead of looking at something as a failure, it can be viewed as lesson to learn from. When situations are viewed in this manner, the need for short term wins fade and the focus the long term goal of learning and developing. This fuels resiliency which help the management and navigation of difficult situations which life presents.
This conversation often ignites the conversation: How can one become more spiritual without being religious? It can be done by:
1) Make a conscious effort to love the people around you, or at least tolerate them more.
2) Make small connections with your higher consciousness every day.
3) Do something you genuinely enjoy and brings you peace.
4) Try to be helpful to others
5) Take 15 minutes per day to connect with yourself.
6) Explore what spirituality without religion means for you and who embodies it.
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